When booking a flight, you might notice airlines using terms like non-stop flights, direct flights, and connecting flights. While they may sound similar, they have key differences that can affect your travel time, convenience, and overall experience.
To add to the confusion, some airlines, label direct flights as “1 stop,” even though passengers don’t change planes. Then there’s all the terms on layovers, stopovers and connections. Here’s what all this aviation terminology means.

What Is the Difference Between Direct and Non-Stop Flights?
While direct flights and non-stop flights are often thought to mean the same thing, there is actually a significant difference between the two.
- Non-Stop Flights: A non-stop flight goes from Point A to Point B without stopping. There are no layovers, and passengers remain on the same plane for the entire journey.
- Direct Flights: A direct flight travels from Point A to Point B but may have one or more stops. However, the flight keeps the same flight number and passengers may stay on the plane or be asked to disembark and reboard.
Does Direct Mean No Stops?
No. A direct flight does not mean a flight without stops. While non-stop flights go straight to the destination, direct flights may stop to refuel, pick up, or drop off passengers.
For example, Emirates Flight EK405 from Melbourne to Dubai is labelled as “1 stop” because it lands in Singapore for 1 hour and 30 minutes before continuing to Dubai. Some travellers refer to this as Melbourne to Dubai via Singapore to emphasize the stop.
I have taken this flight a number of times and although this is a direct flight, all passengers must disembark the aircraft in Singapore while it is cleaned and refuelled before continuing to Dubai. The Melbourne – Singapore sector/route is also a fifth freedom flight, meaning Emirates can sell tickets exclusively for the Melbourne–Singapore leg. If you select this flight alone then this is considered a non-stop flight. (Note: This flight will stop operating from March 2025.)
In contrast, Emirates Flight EK409 is a non-stop flight from Melbourne to Dubai. It takes 13 hours and 55 minutes and does not stop anywhere along the way.
What Is the Meaning of Direct Flight?
A direct flight is one that keeps the same flight number from origin to destination, even if it makes one or more stops. Passengers sometimes can remain on the same plane, though other travellers may board or disembark during the stop.
What Is an Example of a Direct Flight?
Emirates Flight EK405 (Melbourne to Dubai via Singapore) is an example of a direct flight. It stops in Singapore, and the flight number remains the same.
What Is Considered a Non-Stop Flight?
A non-stop flight flies directly from departure to arrival without stopping at any other airport.
What Does a Non-Stop Flight Mean?
A non-stop flight means there are no stops in between. Unlike a direct flight, the plane never lands until it reaches its final destination.
For example, Emirates Flight EK409 from Melbourne to Dubai is non-stop, meaning passengers board in Melbourne and land in Dubai without any stops.
What Are the Three Types of Flights?
There are three main types of flights:
- Non-Stop Flights – Fly directly from departure to destination without stopping.
- Direct Flights – May have stops but keep the same flight number. Passengers do not need to change planes.
- Connecting Flights – Require changing planes at an intermediate airport.

What Is a Connecting Flight?
A connecting flight, is when passengers must disembark, change flights and switch planes before continuing to their final destination.
For example, Emirates Flight EK407 from Melbourne to Athens is a connecting flight.
- Flight EK407 flies non-stop from Melbourne to Dubai.
- Passengers then have a layover of 5 hours and 50 minutes in Dubai.
- After the layover, passengers board Flight EK209, which continues from Dubai to Athens.
Since passengers must switch to a different aircraft, this is considered a connecting flight with a layover rather than a direct flight. Be aware that in some cases, you may need to recheck your bags during a connecting flight.

What Is a Layover?
A layover is a scheduled stop between departure and final destination on a connecting flight. Layovers can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
For instance, if you are flying from Melbourne to Athens on Emirates, you will have a layover in Dubai for 5 hours and 50 minutes before catching your connecting flight to Greece.
Do You Change Planes on a One-Stop Flight?
It depends.
- On a direct flight (like EK405), passengers do not change planes, though they must deboard in Singapore.
- On a connecting flight (like EK407/EK209), passengers must change planes during their layover. These are two seperate flights. Even the type of aircraft can change. For instance melbourne to dubai would sport an Airbus A380-800 and Dubai to Athens an Emirates Boeing 777-300.
Layover vs. Stopover: What’s the Difference?
Many travellers confuse layovers and stopovers, but the difference is simple:
✈️ Layover (Short Stop)
✔ A layover is a stop between flights that generally lasts a few hours.
✔ Passengers usually stay in the airport while waiting for their next flight.
✔ Example: Emirates flight EK407 from Melbourne to Dubai has a 5-hour 50-minute layover in Dubai before connecting to EK209 to Athens.
✈️ Stopover (Long Stop)
✔ A stopover is a stop that lasts in general more than 24 hours.
✔ Passengers normally exit the airport on a stopover.
✔ Some airlines allow stopovers for a few days, letting travellers explore a city before continuing their journey.
✔ Example: If you flew from Melbourne to Dubai, stayed in Dubai for 2 days, and then continued to Athens, this would be a stopover.
Emirates offers free Dubai stopovers for passengers, depending on their class and connection time.
For First and Business Class passengers, a stopover is available if the connection time is between 6 to 26 hours.
Premium Economy passengers qualify with a connection time of 8 to 26 hours, while Economy Class passengers are eligible with a connection time of 10 to 24 hours.
🔹 A stopover is essentially a long layover! Many airlines offer free or discounted stopover programs (like Emirates’ Dubai Stopover) to encourage tourism.
If you’re planning to travel soon and you are heading to Europe or the UK, make sure to check the new entry/exit system (EES) expected to roll out in mid-2025, as well as the updated visa waiver requirements for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation and the European ETIAS. Starting soon, all travelers, including those holding Australian and U.S. passports, will need to submit an online application for entry approval to both the UK and European countries.
Non-Stop Flight vs. Direct Flight: Which Is Better?
It depends. When traveling in business or first class, I always choose the non-stop flight. I also consider the aircraft used and my comfort level. For instance, the non-stop route from Melbourne to Dubai is operated by the A380-800, while the one-stop route uses the Boeing 777-300. Cool airlines features like the onboard bar, the spa, and the first-class shower make the A380 far more appealing than the 777-300.
When choosing between a non-stop flight vs. direct flight, consider these factors:
Advantages of Non-Stop Flights
✅ Faster travel time – No unnecessary stops.
✅ More convenience – No need to leave the aircraft as you would with stops.
✅ Lower risk of delays – Fewer opportunities for missed connections & lost luggage.
✅ No change of terminals – No change of terminals or even airports in some cases.
Disadvantages of Non-Stop Flights
❌ Higher cost – Non-stop flights tend to be more expensive than direct or connecting flights.
❌ No break in the journey – Some people prefer to stop, disembark and walk around, stretch and grab a refreshment. This breaks the journey and becomes more bearable.
❌ Limited routes – Not all destinations have non-stop flights available.
Advantages of Direct Flights
✅ Same flight number – Less confusion about which plane to board.
✅ No plane changes – Unlike connecting flights, you don’t need to switch aircraft.
✅ Possibly lower cost – Direct flights can be cheaper than non-stop flights.
Disadvantages of Direct Flights
❌ Longer travel time – Stops add to the journey’s total duration.
❌ Potential delays – If a stop is delayed, it can impact your arrival time.
❌ Passengers may have to leave the aircraft – As seen on EK405, travellers must deboard during stopovers like Singapore.
Final Words
Understanding the difference between direct flights versus non-stop flights can help you make an informed travel decision. If speed and convenience are your priorities, a non-stop flight (like EK409 from Melbourne to Dubai) is the best choice. However, if you don’t mind a short stop and want to save money, a direct flight (like EK405 via Singapore) might work better.
If your flight requires a plane change, then you are on a connecting flight with a layover (like EK407 and EK209 to Athens).
By knowing these differences, you can avoid confusion when booking your next flight.
Safe travels and if you need help packing download this ultimate travel packing list for helpful tips you might not have thought of!!
